Why You’ll Love Beef and Cheese Overnight Breakfast Enchiladas Recipe
This recipe combines convenience with hearty breakfast flavors. You assemble everything the night before, refrigerate, and simply bake in the morning — no early-morning rush required. The combination of savory beef, melted cheese, and soft tortillas makes it a crowd-pleasing breakfast that feels indulgent but is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups cooked seasoned beef, chopped
5 green onions, thinly sliced, divided
½ cup diced red bell pepper
2 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
5 large eggs
1 ¼ cups half-and-half
½ teaspoon all-purpose seasoning salt
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon flour
salsa and sour cream, for serving
Directions
Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, combine the beef, about half of the green onions, bell pepper, and 1 cup of the cheese.
Scoop about 1⁄3 cup of the beef and cheese mixture onto each tortilla. Roll them up tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, seasoning salt, cumin, garlic powder, and flour until smooth. Pour evenly over the enchiladas, making sure the tops are well moistened.
Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, remove the baking dish from the fridge while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake, covered, for 35 minutes.
Remove the foil and sprinkle remaining 1 ½ cups cheese over the top. Bake, uncovered, for another 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the egg mixture is set.
Garnish with remaining green onions and serve with salsa and sour cream on the side.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus overnight refrigeration)
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour (plus overnight soak)
Variations
Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili powder to the filling.
Vegetarian swap: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or seasoned black beans.
Cheese mix: Try a blend of Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese mix instead of sharp cheddar.
Casserole style: Instead of rolling, layer torn tortilla pieces with the filling for a strata-like option.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual servings until warm. If reheating from frozen, add about 10–15 minutes to the oven time.
FAQs
How long should I refrigerate the enchiladas before baking?
For best results, refrigerate the assembled enchiladas overnight (at least 8 hours) so the tortillas absorb the egg mixture and the flavors meld.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Flour tortillas are recommended because corn tortillas may crack or become too soggy when soaked overnight.
Can I prepare this recipe the same day?
You can bake them after a few hours chilling, but overnight refrigeration gives the best texture and cohesion.
What can I serve with these enchiladas?
Serve with salsa, sour cream, avocado or guacamole, and a fresh fruit salad or green salad for a complete brunch.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Substitute gluten-free tortillas and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes — diced bell peppers, spinach, or sautéed onions can be added to amp up the veggie content.
How do I store leftovers?
Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
How should I reheat frozen enchiladas?
Thaw overnight, then heat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
Are these enchiladas spicy?
They are mild, but you can add hot sauce, jalapeños, or chili powder for heat.
Conclusion
Beef and Cheese Overnight Breakfast Enchiladas are a comforting, flavorful, and stress-free breakfast or brunch option. With simple prep the night before and a warm, cheesy bake in the morning, they make serving a crowd easy while delivering hearty, satisfying flavors. Perfect for holidays, weekend brunches, or busy mornings, these enchiladas are both delicious and convenient.
